Why Ryan Mason won't get carried away by availability as West Brom boss makes 'bit thin' assessment

Attackers Tammer Bany and Daryl Dike spent the first two months of the season sidelined, Karlan Grant also missed action and new right-back Alfie Gilchrist took until into October to feature.

Defender George Campbell (thigh) and winger Jed Wallace (calf) are currently sidelined and Mason is reluctant to get carried away by what is a relatively small sized squad that has been stretched by just a modest number of absentees so far this term.

"I mean, we were that way two or three weeks ago when we had Preston at home and the squad was pretty much full," Mason said.

"We lost our two midfielders, one from international and then Toby had to come off injured. We're one or two players away from feeling a bit thin.

"I think that's why we need to be smart with certain players at the moment and utilise everyone as much as possible.

"You could see the ability to bring on midfielders in this type of game when it was getting stretched. It really helped us get over the line."

Albion were dealt a cruel blow against Preston when Molumby, who returned with an issue from Ireland duty, worsened the injury replaced the stricken Collyer. Molumby is currently back with his nation.

Mason has had to name a squad with inexperienced youngsters on the bench and two goalkeepers on several occasions this term.

He added of Molumby and Collyer's return: "We spoke and we speak a lot about before the game that if you're arriving on the pitch, it's with a job to do to help the team.

"Every player wants to start - that's normal, I've been a player myself. Arguably the most important minutes against Oxford were the last 20 or 30 minutes. If you're arriving inside of the pitch in that moment, you need to make an impact with fresh legs and mentally in a good place.

"We had that. I felt the subs come on and really contributed to us getting over the line."